A devastating forest fire in the Corbières massif, between Narbonne and Carcassonne, has already burned between 11,000 and 13,000 hectares in just 24 hours, making it the biggest fire of the summer in France and, some experts say, the biggest fire of the century in the country.
French authorities have asked residents to remain indoors and have mobilized a large number of ground and air assets to control the fire. Weather conditions remain unfavorable for the extinction of the fire and, for the moment, the fire has caused at least one death and nine injured people (including firefighters) and has forced the evacuation of campsites and nearby towns.
And although the fire is in France, its magnitude is affecting Catalonia, with roads cut off and clouds of smoke that can be seen from various parts of the Costa Brava. We tell you everything you need to be aware and know how to move around the area.
Roads closed and affected on the border with France
The A9 freeway, the main connection between France and Spain along the Mediterranean coast, is completely closed in both directions in the section between Perpignan and Narbonne, also affecting the area near La Jonquera.
On the Rivesaltes section, there have been long delays and cuts that prevent international traffic. The A61, the road linking Carcassonne to Narbonne, has also been closed due to the fire.
Affect on Catalonia
Although the fire occurred in French territory, from Catalonia smoke columns have been seen in several points of Girona, the Empordà and the Costa Brava, and some users of X have pointed out that in the Maresme area the air is also clouded by smoke and that the smell of burning is felt.
On the other hand, the effects have been felt in the mobility towards France, and Civil Protection extreme caution if we are in the area and recommends avoiding trips to the border, as the A9 is blocked and there are complex detours by secondary roads.
Transport and logistics services between Spain and France are interrupted or delayed, and the usual passage through La Jonquera is not operational.
Where to consult information
From Civil Protection point to the French emergency channels of the Prefecture of the Aude region (@Prefet11) and the Fire Department of the region (@SDIS11OFFICIEL).